Relay Node Protocol Conversion for Remote LAN Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote access techniques for local area networks require users to set complex network parameters, making them difficult for non-technical users to implement and connect remotely to files or multimedia resources across the internet.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a web access protocol, such as WebDAV, with a local area network data access protocol, like SMB, allows a remote device to access server devices within a LAN through a relay node, eliminating the need for users to configure network parameters by converting web commands into LAN-compatible commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing remote access techniques are used to enable remote devices to access LAN resources, then remote access capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to required network parameter configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary device between the remote device and the LAN. The gateway receives web access protocol commands from remote devices, converts them into LAN data access protocol commands, and forwards them to LAN resources. This mediator eliminates the need for users to configure complex network parameters while enabling remote access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway provides universal access by supporting multiple protocols (web access protocol and LAN data access protocol) and enabling any remote device with a web browser to access various LAN resources (files, multimedia, applications) without device-specific configuration. This multi-functional approach simplifies the access mechanism across different platforms and devices.
2Ease of operation
If web access protocol and LAN data access protocol are integrated through a gateway, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating parameter setting, but device complexity increases due to protocol conversion functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a protocol conversion intermediary, translating web access protocol commands (HTTP/WebDAV) into LAN data access protocol commands (SMB/CIFS) and vice versa. This centralized conversion mechanism simplifies user operation while concentrating the complexity within the gateway's conversion engine rather than requiring it in end-user devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway automatically performs protocol conversion and authentication without requiring user intervention for parameter configuration. The system self-manages the complexity of protocol translation, authentication mechanisms, and command mapping, presenting a simplified interface to users while handling complex operations internally.
3Reliability
If relay nodes implement LAN monitoring mechanisms to protect intranet communications, then reliability is improved through security protection, but adaptability deteriorates by blocking external access connections
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a controlled intermediary that mediates between external web access requests and internal LAN resources. It implements authentication mechanisms and command filtering to maintain security while allowing authorized remote access. The gateway converts and forwards only legitimate commands, blocking potentially harmful traffic while enabling legitimate external access to LAN resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system offering remote access and a communication method thereof are provided. The communication system includes a remote device, a relay node, and at least one server device. The relay node controls a connection from the remote device to a local area network (LAN). The at least one server device is located in the LAN. The remote device communicates with the relay node by using a web access protocol. The relay node converts a first command compliant with the web access protocol into a second command compliant with a LAN data access protocol, so that the remote device can remotely access the at least one server device through the relay node. Thereby, the remote device can remotely access the at least one server device without setting parameters of related network nodes.